During Christmas Urbi et Orbi, Pope wished Ukraine peace

Pope Francis delivered his Urbi et Orbi message (to the city and the world) from the central loggia of St Peter's Basilica on Dec. 25.

"May Christmas also bring true peace to Ukraine, offer comfort to those suffering from the effects of the conflict, and inspire willingness to carry out the agreements made to restore concord in the entire country," Pope Francis said.He spoke about the "brutal acts of terrorism'' that struck the French capital this year as well as conflicts in Africa, the Mideast and Ukraine. Pope Francis urged the international community to direct its attention to Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, and sub-Saharan Africa. He also called the world to unite in order to stop the crimes of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The Pope called to mind the suffering of refugees and migrants fleeing their troubled homes, as well as others victimized by violence and greed. Francis praised both individuals and countries that have taken in refugees fleeing "inhuman conditions," saying their generosity had helped the newcomers "build a dignified future for themselves and for their dear ones, and to be integrated in the societies which receive them."

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